Homepage

Tigerish Allen seeks Test return

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:22

Leicester Tigers centre Anthony Allen admits he's determined to shed his tag as just a good Premiership player and return to the Test arena.

Last week's 17-12 victory over Gloucester saw the Tigers consolidate their third place standing and cling to the coattails of the leaders, largely thanks to Allen's try against his former club.

Allen has been in impressive form throughout this season and while he was involved with England squads at the end of last year, the last of his two international appearances came in 2006.

Often regarded as one of the most consistent Premiership performers, Allen is also sometimes accused of reaching his glass ceiling at domestic level.

But the 26-year-old believes that label is unfair - at least until he gets another chance in England colours where he could team up with club mate Manu Tuilagi in the centres.

"It is a bit frustrating because it just makes me think, 'how can people say that when I haven't really had a chance for England'," said Allen.

"It's a completely different England set-up now to the one that I was involved in before and it was pleasing to be in and around the squad in November..

"I'm pleased with my form at the moment - and that comes from the team playing well as a whole - and who knows what may happen in the Six Nations if there are a few injuries.

"There are a lot of very good players in there at the moment but I guess Manu is one of the standout players and I obviously know him well from playing together at Leicester and know his strengths.

"There's nothing wrong with being called a good Premiership player, it's no bad thing, and I'll accept it as a tag but only if and when I get another chance for England and the chance to prove myself at that level."

Allen and company are on the back of a five-game winning streak in all competitions ahead of Friday's clash with Worcester Warriors and have been boosted by the return to action of Tom Croft, who is back after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a neck injury.

And Allen is tipping the England and British and Irish Lions flank to hit the ground running.

"It's great to see him back and it's great that he's going straight into the starting line-up and will be able to just do his own thing from the off," added Allen.

"Everyone at the club is pleased to see him back in the side because he's such an important player for club and country. I'm sure he'll be fine getting straight back into it."